Business engagement in USAID public-private partnerships

The Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the new set of Sustainable Development Goals set a premium on the role of the business community in advancing equitable growth and reducing poverty. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been in the forefront of engaging the private sector in promoting development. Since 2001 USAID has initiated an estimated 1,600 public-private partnerships (PPPs), valued at over $16 billion.

On March 8, the Global Economy and Development program held a public discussion on a new report, “USAID’s public-private partnerships: a data picture and review of business engagement.” The report presents data on the nature of these PPPs and provides detail on the extent of corporate involvement and the shared value and technical expertise they contribute.

Brookings Senior Fellow George Ingram introduced the topic, then co-authors Anne Johnson and Helen Moser made brief presentations on key findings in the report. Following their presentation, George Ingram moderated a panel discussion with Jane Nelson, Ann Mei Chang, and Johanna Nesseth Tuttle.